Iran pledges support for peace, development efforts

President meets Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution:

Rohan Mathes in Tehran

Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei reaffirmed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa Iran's continuous support towards Sri Lanka's peace and development endeavours when they met in Tehran yesterday.

Khamenei, who described President Rajapaksa as one of the strongest leaders in Asia, said Sri Lanka's peace efforts would succeed under his guidance.

The President apprised the spiritual leader of the economic, social and political situation in Sri Lanka and also of the peace moves initiated by the Government.

The spiritual leader stated that a new chapter has begun in the relations between the two countries with the arrival of President Rajapaksa in Iran, pointing out that the traditional religious and cultural bonds prevailing among Asian countries should continue with more vigour.

Khamenei said Asia is rich in resources and development on the level of Europe could be expected in Asia too if there is unity among Asian countries.

He praised President Rajapaksa for his unwavering and forthright stand on Palestine. President Rajapaksa said both Sri Lanka and Iran had maintained a consistent pro-Palestine policy. Sri Lanka has also established diplomatic ties with Palestine, he remarked. Khamenei commended the Sri Lanka Government's programmes for the uplift and protection of the minorities.

Noting that Ceylon Tea was the favourite beverage of Iranians, he said Iran planned to import more Ceylon Tea. They pledged to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.